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Oahu escapee finally caught

A murder suspect, headed to court, made a bold escape early Wednesday morning. Then Teddy Munet evaded the law for nearly 12 hours before he was captured.

Munet's half day on the run raised questions of courthouse safety procedures and also raised the concern of residents who live nearby.

Wednesday evening, many out and about around Ala Moana and Kakaako tried to enjoy themselves while also being wary over the escape of Teddy Munet.

"We're looking around to make sure there are not crazy people running around," said Honolulu resident Joshua Tom.

Munet had been on the loose since just before 8 a.m. He went to court for a hearing in his murder trial, accused of the execution-style killing of an Kaneohe man last year.

"It is kind of scary to be out tonight, because Munet is dangerous," said Honolulu resident Carol Lee.

Munet went to court wearing handcuffs and a belly chain, but escaped from a loading zone and from corrections officers who were in charge of prisoners.

"There were eight correctional officers and one of them saw him running. He gave chase but was not able to catch up to Munet," said Public Safety Director Ted Sakai.

There had been several possible sightings of Munet throughout the day, but residents around Ala Moana were still shocked when the escapee showed up in their neighborhood after the sun went down.

"I heard the news earlier and I thought they had already caught him or he was long gone. I wouldn't have thought he was around here because we heard he was around the Kakaako area. We didn't assume he was close to this area," said Honolulu resident Chaisson Goo.

PHOTOS: Inmate escapes from custody

PHOTOS: Inmate escapes from custody

The state Department of Public Safety has confirmed an escapee was on the loose in Honolulu Wednesday.

Teddy Munet escaped during an Oahu Community Correctional Center transport at Circuit Court in Downtown Honolulu shortly after 8 a.m.

The nearby Voygaer Charter School was on lockdown.

Teddy Munet, 29, is 5-feet-11-inches-tall and has a black hoodie which he may be using to hide his belly chain and handcuffs. He was being held on a second-degree murder charge, firearms and drug-related charges.

Munet has many tattoos over his body, including a full back tattoo of a possible warrior helmet.

He also has a tattoo of a skull with a baseball cap on the entire left side of his neck.

Munet also the word "Gramz" that covers his stomach area and a large marijuana left tattoo across his chest.

This is a more recent picture of Munet with the letters "NSB" under the "GRAMZ" on his stomach.

Munet was on his way to court for proceedings related to the homicide that occurred on July 19, 2012 at Kawainui Marsh.

Police cars were seen at Washington Middle School.

The police chopper was searching from overhead to look for Munet.

St. Andrew's Priory was one of the schools in lockdown.

The Early Education Center of Seagull Schools was also in lockdown.

Police continue to patrol near Downtown Honolulu.

The search continued at Kaka'ako Waterfront Park.

A police helicopter gets a survey of the entire park.

Washington Middle School was also in lockdown.

Honolulu police set up a command post at Washington Middle School.

The other command post was at Honolulu Police headquarters.

The search for Munet even went to the Keeaumoku Street Wal-Mart.

Officers were seen inside Wal-Mart.

After 7 p.m. along Waimanu Street police and sheriff's deputies captured Munet . A couple had recognized him and called 911.

After officers converged on the street and the suspect, David Schmidt saw the activity taking place 27 stories below his apartment.

"There were flashing lights everywhere. I would guess there were six-to-seven police cars and a number of officers, as well as a lineup of cars trying to get into the building," said Schmidt.

Munet was immediately taken to the police cellblock where he will face additional charges of escape and attempted carjacking.

While Honolulu police officers investigate Munet's latest crime spree, public safety officials will investigate why the man accused of murder showed up to court in street clothes and without leg chains.

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